1942 Dodge Special Six & Deluxe Tires

The 1942 Dodge Special Six & Deluxe uses two primary tire sizes: 600-16 and 650-16. The Base model uses 600-16, while the 7 Passenger model uses 650-16, and both are bias-ply fitments for 16-inch rims.

That means the first step is identifying the exact sub-model before choosing a tire. Once the size is confirmed, the next decision is usually appearance and use, such as blackwall versus whitewall, or a more passenger-car-style tread versus a truck or military-oriented offering in the same nominal size.

Both primary tire sizes used on the 1942 Dodge Special Six & Deluxe mount on 16-inch rims. The difference between the two fitments is the tire size itself, not the wheel diameter, since both 600-16 and 650-16 are built around a 16-inch rim.

Wheel width still matters, especially on an older car that may have had wheels changed over time. Before mounting new tires, confirm the actual rim diameter and width on the car, then compare that wheel to the intended tire's compatibility so the selected size and construction suit the vehicle's current setup.

No. The 1942 Dodge Special Six & Deluxe Base uses 600-16, while the 7 Passenger version uses 650-16. Both are bias-ply tires on 16-inch rims, but the two sub-models do not share the same primary tire size.

That distinction matters because a buyer can easily assume every car in the model line uses one common size. On a survivor, restoration, or long-stored car, it is wise to confirm the exact body configuration and inspect the existing wheels before ordering, especially if the vehicle has been modified or assembled from mixed parts over time.

Start with the correct size for the exact sub-model, since the Base uses 600-16 and the 7 Passenger model uses 650-16. After size, compare construction, sidewall style, tire series, and whether the tire is aimed more at traditional passenger-car appearance or a truck and utility style within the same nominal size.

Older vehicles often accumulate wheel changes over the decades, so actual rim dimensions should be checked before mounting. It also helps to think about how the Dodge will be used: a restoration-oriented car may call for a classic whitewall look, while a road-use vehicle may lead the owner toward a more utilitarian blackwall pattern.

Tires for the 1942 Dodge Special Six & Deluxe are available in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, and 600-16 also includes double-whitewall choices. Those sidewall treatments appear across several bias-ply product lines, giving the buyer flexibility without changing the primary tire size.

Sidewall style has a major effect on how a prewar Dodge presents visually, especially on a car with full fender lines and prominent wheel openings. The practical step is to pair the appearance choice with the correct sub-model size first, then make sure the selected tire's rim-width requirements suit the wheels already on the car.

The available brands include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, Tornel, Avon, Ford Script, and Camac, depending on whether the car uses 600-16 or 650-16. Those brands span traditional passenger-car bias-ply lines as well as more military and truck-oriented offerings.

Brand alone should not drive the decision on a car like this. It makes more sense to narrow the choice by correct size, then compare sidewall treatment, series character, rim-width compatibility, and whether the tire supports the look and use of the specific Dodge rather than simply picking by name.

A period-style 1942 Dodge Special Six & Deluxe starts with the proper bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 600-16 for the Base and 650-16 for the 7 Passenger model. From there, the choice usually comes down to whether the car looks best with a blackwall or one of the available whitewall treatments.

For many restorations, the tire's visual effect is nearly as important as the tread pattern because these cars wear a lot of sidewall in view. When exact originality matters, compare the car against period photos, marque references, and restoration records so the final sidewall and series choice supports the intended presentation.

The 1942 Dodge Special Six & Deluxe uses bias-ply tire fitments, and that construction is part of the vehicle's traditional visual character. A bias-ply tire typically presents the car with the kind of shape and stance most buyers expect to see on a prewar-era Dodge.

Appearance is influenced not just by size, but also by sidewall treatment and the overall profile the tire creates on a 16-inch wheel. On a restoration-minded car, keeping the correct nominal size and a suitable sidewall style usually does more for authenticity of look than simply choosing a familiar modern tire brand.

Yes. Even though the original-style fitments are 600-16 and 650-16 on 16-inch rims, changes to wheel width, wheel offset, suspension height, or body clearance can affect how a tire sits and operates on a 1942 Dodge Special Six & Deluxe.

Many collector cars have had decades of repairs and parts swapping, so the safest approach is to inspect the actual wheels and surrounding clearances before selecting tires. Steering lock, fender space, suspension travel, and the vehicle's current ride height all deserve a look before mounting a new set.

Before road use, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, tire pressure, and the overall condition of the suspension and steering components. On an older Dodge, it also makes sense to check that each tire matches the intended size for the sub-model and that there is no rubbing at normal ride height or during turns.

A new tire cannot compensate for weak wheel hardware, worn front-end parts, or poor alignment. After installation, look for even seating on the rim, verify air retention, and recheck clearance after a short drive so any contact issues or setup problems are caught before the car is put into regular use.

Collector-car tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage. On a 1942 Dodge Special Six & Deluxe, that means watching for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, and slow air loss, especially if the car spends long periods parked between drives.

Prewar cars often see limited mileage, so age and storage conditions can matter as much as tread depth. Keeping the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic inspection of both the rubber and the wheels is a smart habit before any tour or extended outing.